JIS Group’s Drone Training Initiative Equips Students for a Rapidly Changing World

Kolkata, May 13th, 2025: With drone technology increasingly shaping modern responses to both civilian and strategic challenges, JIS Group took a timely and progressive step by successfully conducting a three-day Drone Training Course at the Dr. Sudhir Chandra Sur Institute of Technology and Sports Complex. Organised by the JIS DRONE ACADEMY, the course drew participation from over 50 students, eager to explore and understand the evolving role of unmanned aerial systems in today’s world.

Under the expert mentorship of Mr. Sobhan Chakraborty (Program Head), Mr. Suvendu Mondal (Centre Manager), and drone specialist Mr. Rakesh, students were trained in both the theoretical framework and hands-on operation of drone technology. From basic flight mechanics and airspace regulations to live aerial navigation, the programme offered a robust foundation. It went beyond basic flight training—providing exposure to emerging applications across sectors like precision agriculture, ecological mapping, security surveillance, and infrastructure monitoring.

In an era marked by heightened national security concerns and climate challenges, drones have emerged as indispensable in strategic surveillance and ecosystem management. The course not only introduced students to the operational dynamics of drones in high-alert zones but also shed light on their use in sustainable agriculture—such as crop health analysis, irrigation planning, and terrain assessment—thus encouraging students to see drones as instruments of both protection and preservation.

Importantly, participants were also introduced to the procedures for obtaining a certified drone pilot license, giving them clarity on the legalities, compliance frameworks, and career avenues now opening up in this rapidly expanding domain.

While the course was academic in design, it was deeply rooted in real-world utility, preparing students for scenarios where such skills could prove vital—not just in commercial or industrial applications, but also in sectors where national interest, food security, and climate resilience converge.

Every participant left the training with a certificate and a renewed awareness of the responsibility and potential that comes with mastering such a powerful technology.

Speaking on the initiative, Sardar Simarpreet Singh, Director, JIS Group, said, “Our aim is to prepare our students not just for the careers of tomorrow, but for the realities of today. Drones have become integral tools in everything from agriculture and disaster response to national defense and internal security. Through JIS DRONE ACADEMY, we are envisioning nurturing young talents who can adapt, innovate, and lead in a world where technology plays a decisive role in safeguarding lives and enabling perseverance.”

Novotel Vijayawada Hosts Punjabi Zaika Utsav

The smoky aroma of the tandoor, zesty spices, and creamy butter come together to create the rich, comforting flavours that define Punjab’s culinary heritage. Bringing this warmth and boldness to the city, Novotel Vijayawada Varun presents the Punjabi Zaika Utsav, a 10-day celebration of authentic Punjabi cuisine.

Hosted at Food Exchange, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, the festival invites guests to savour a menu that captures the essence of Punjab’s most loved dishes. Curated by Chef Smruti Ranjan Das, the menu showcases timeless recipes passed down through generations, highlighting the diversity and depth of North Indian flavours.

Guests can indulge in classics like Chole Bhature, Amritsari Kulcha, Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani, among other regional favourites. Each dish is prepared using traditional techniques that bring out the bold spices, smoky richness, and signature textures Punjabi food is known for.

To complement the dining experience, the restaurant will be adorned with themed décor inspired by Punjab’s mustard fields and festive spirit. Evenings will come alive with live folk music performances, adding a cultural touch to the culinary journey. Whether you’re a fan of hearty tandoori fare or curious to explore the flavours of Punjab, this festival promises an unforgettable dining experience.

       Date: Until May 18, 2025

       Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

       Venue: Food Exchange, Novotel Vijayawada Varun

 

 

Tally Launches TallyPrime 6.0 to Transform SME Banking

Bangalore, 13 May 2025: Tally Solutions Pvt Ltd, India’s leading business automation software provider, introduces its latest release, TallyPrime 6.0, designed to simplify financial operations for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and make it seamless via Connected Banking experience. This advanced upgrade revolutionizes bank reconciliation, banking automation, and financial management for businesses and accountants. Building on its expertise in delivering connected services such as e-invoicing, e-way bill generation, and GST compliance, Tally takes another significant step towards empowering SMEs with integrated banking capabilities. This new release reinforces Tally’s commitment to connecting businesses with their ecosystems and enabling them to operate with unparalleled simplicity.

Keeping with its vision of making the business network seamless TallyPrime’s Connected Banking feature takes integration to the next level by bringing banks inside Tally. Unifying accounting and banking into a single system, with secure login and real-time connectivity through partnerships with Axis Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank. Users can access live bank balances and transaction updates directly within the platform, ensuring they always have the most updated information and insights about their working capital, empowering businesses to make smarter financial decisions. With the ability to process payments, instantly reconcile transactions, and monitor bank balances within Tally businesses can stay agile, optimize resources, and maintain full control over their financial operations.

While launching TallyPrime 6.0, Mr. Tejas Goenka, Managing Director, Tally Solutions said, “Our mission has always been to build technology that helps simplify business operations for SMEs. With TallyPrime 6.0, we’re addressing a critical need by integrating banking directly within the Tally platform empowering businesses to focus on growth and innovation without the distraction of operational complexities, enabling them to save 30-50% of their time. This release comes with multiple other features like enhanced bank reconciliation, working capital optimization through financial institution linkages, further strengthening the existing capabilities of GST compliance with connected e-invoicing and e-way bill generation.”

TallyPrime’s smart bank reconciliation transforms how SMEs and accountants manage their books by seamlessly aligning financial records with banking transactions. Enabling faster reconciliation, timely account finalization for audits, and real-time operational insights—all within a unified, intuitive platform. Additionally, the integration of UPI payments and payment links simplifies collections, ensuring smoother cash flow.

Commenting on the launch, Neeraj Gambhir, Group Executive & Head – Treasury, Markets & Wholesale Banking Products, Axis Bank said, “Axis Bank has always been at the forefront of innovation by introducing pioneering solutions for its customers for seamless banking experience. We are committed to empower our SME clients by integrating technology into financial solutions. The SME Business Banking landscape is evolving rapidly, and there is a need for a comprehensive solution for all their Banking and Beyond Banking requirements. With this ‘connected banking solution’, customers can integrate bank account inside TallyPrime and streamline their banking operations by improving efficiency and agility in financial decision-making. This initiative is a continuation of our ongoing efforts to significantly enhance the digital experience of our clients.”

Security remains a cornerstone of TallyPrime 6.0, incorporating end-to-end encryption, multi-layered access controls, and real-time fraud detection to ensure safe banking transactions.  This launch reaffirms the company’s commitment to ensuring complete security and privacy of its customers’ financial data.

Tally continues to enhance business management with advanced technology, offering a seamless and holistic experience through TallyPrime 6.0. From connected GST and e-invoicing to WhatsApp-based alerts (WABA), cloud access, and integrated financing, Tally empowers businesses with simplified, efficient, and connected solutions for smoother operations.

 

Ishaan Khatter Says Zeenat Aman Deserved Royal Treatment on Set: IMDb Exclusive

The Royals, recently released on OTT, has been much awaited by fans due to its depiction of a royal and glamorous world, featuring a multi-starrer cast. The series, directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, features Ishaan Khatter, Bhumi Pednekar, Vihaan Samat, Zeenat Aman, Nora Fatehi, Dino Morea, Chunky Pandey, and Sakshi Tanwar, amongst other prominent stars. Khatter, Pednekar, and Samat, joined by the extended cast of the series, spoke with IMDb in an exclusive interaction, sharing their experiences and behind the scene anecdotes that made their journey memorable.

Speaking about his favourite memory from the sets, Khatter, said, “There are a few but the first one that comes to mind, it’s a bit of a highlight reel image. It was when we got to play polo, and it was shirtless for me, 12 hours a day in the scorching Rajasthan sun. Our polo ponies really supported us through two days as we were playing with actual polo professionals. It was a bit surreal, an out-of-the-body experience.” Samat added, “In a full field, with an audience, with horses being switched around but we don’t get switched out. We just have to keep going, it was lovely.”

Sharing what drew them towards the character and story, Khatter revealed, “It’s very entertaining, it’s glamorous, it’s sassy but at the same time, there is meat on the bones so to say, for every actor. There’s drama, there’s comedy, so it’s a little bit of everything for me. Aviraj was a very fascinating character for me to play because he’s one thing on the outside and quite another inside, as the show reveals.”

Pednekar shared, “What excited about my character Sophia and the show is that firstly, I love the genre. I love a good romance. I haven’t done much in the space, especially the kind of world that The Royals has created. It was an opportunity to break newer boundaries and challenge myself as an actor, so that definitely excited me a lot.”

Samat revealed, “I loved the character when I read it. I loved the world when I read it. My character, Diggy, is the younger brother of the royal family. He’s the younger son. He’s handling the palace and taking care of everything. He’s about to assume the mantle of being the leader of the family. It is a lot to play with. Things like this aren’t written. I got to ride on a horse, I got to make food, and I got to pretend to play a prince, so I had an amazing time.”

Discussing who needed the most royal treatment on the sets of The Royals, Khatter mentioned, “One who deserved it the most would be Zeenat Ji.”

F5 Report 2025: AI Moves from Talk to Action

INDIA, MAY 13, 2025 – IT leaders are increasingly trusting AI with business-critical tasks from traffic management to cost optimization, according to the industry’s most comprehensive report on application strategy.

F5’s 2025 State of Application Strategy Report, which surveys global IT decision makers1, found that 96% of organizations are now deploying AI models, up from a quarter in 2023.

There is also a growing willingness to elevate AI to the heart of business operations. Almost three-quarters of respondents (72%) said they want to use AI to optimize app performance, whereas 59% support the use of AI for both cost-optimization and to inject security rules, automatically mitigating zero-day vulnerabilities.

Today, half of organizations are using AI gateways to connect applications to AI tools, and another 40% expect to be doing so in the next 12 months. Most are using this technology to protect and manage AI models (62%), provide a central point of control (55%), and to protect their company from sensitive data leaks (55%).

“This year’s SOAS Report shows that IT decision makers are becoming confident about embedding AI into ops,” said Lori MacVittie, F5 Distinguished Engineer. “We are fast moving to a point where AI will be trusted to operate autonomously at the heart of an organization, generating and deploying code that helps to cut costs, boost efficiency, and mitigate security problems. That is what we mean when we talk about AIOps, and it is now becoming a reality.”

Operational Readiness and API Challenges Remain

Despite growing AI confidence, the SOAS Report highlights several enduring challenges. For organizations currently deploying AI models, the number one concern is AI model security.

And, while AI tools are more autonomous than ever, operational readiness gaps still exist. 60% of organizations feel bogged down by manual workflows, and 54% claim skill shortages are barriers to AI development.

Furthermore, almost half (48%) identified the cost of building and operating AI workloads as a problem, up from 42% last year.

A greater proportion of organizations also said that they have not established a scalable data practice (39% vs. 33% in 2024) and that they do not trust AI outputs due to potential bias or hallucinations (34% vs. 27%). However, fewer complained about the quality of their data (48%, down from 56% last year).

APIs were another concern. 58% reported they have become a pain point, and some organizations spend as much as half of their time managing complex configurations involving numerous APIs and languages. Working with vendor APIs (31%), custom scripting (29%), and integrating with ticketing and management systems (23%) were flagged as the most time-consuming automation-related tasks.

“Organizations need to focus on the simplification and standardization of operations, including streamlining APIs, technologies, and tasks,” said MacVittie. “They should also recognize that AI systems are themselves well-suited to handle complexity autonomously by generating and deploying policies or solving workflow issues. Operational simplicity is not just something on which AI is going to rely, but which it will itself help to deliver.”

Hybrid App Deployments Prevail

Allied to soaring AI appetites is a greater reliance on hybrid cloud architectures.

According to the SOAS Report, 94% of organizations are deploying applications across multiple environments, including public clouds, private clouds, on-premises data centers, edge computing, and colocation facilities—to meet varied scalability, cost, and compliance requirements.

Consequently, most decision makers see hybrid environments as critical to their operational flexibility. 91% cited adaptability to fluctuating business needs as the top benefit of adopting multiple clouds, followed by improved app resiliency (68%) and cost efficiencies (59%).

A hybrid approach is also reflected in deployment strategies for AI workloads, with 51% planning to use models across both cloud and on-premises environments for the foreseeable future.

Significantly, 79% of organizations recently repatriated at least one application from the public cloud back to an on-premises or colocation environment, citing cost control, security concerns, and predictability. This marks a dramatic rise from 13% just four years ago, further underscoring the importance of preserving flexibility beyond public cloud reliance.

Still, the hybrid model can prove a headache for some. Inconsistent delivery policies (reported by 53% of respondents) and fragmented security strategies (47%) are all top of mind in this respect.

“While spreading applications across different environments and cloud providers can bring challenges, the benefits of being cloud-agnostic are too great to ignore. It has never been clearer that the hybrid approach to app deployment is here to stay,” said Cindy Borovick, Director of Market and Competitive Intelligence, F5.

APCJ AI Adoption and Challenges – Key Highlights:

  • AI Gateways on the Rise: Nearly half of APCJ organizations (49%) are already using AI gateways to connect applications to AI tools, with another 46% planning to do so in the next 12 months.
  • Top Use Cases for AI Gateways: Among those leveraging AI gateways, the most common applications include protecting and managing AI models (66%), preventing sensitive data leaks (61%), and observing AI traffic and application demand (61%).
  • Data and Trust Challenges: Over half (53%) struggle with immature data quality, and 45% are deterred by the high costs of building and running AI workloads.
  • Hybrid Complexity: The hybrid model of AI deployment introduces hurdles, with 79% citing inconsistent security policies, 59% highlighting delivery inconsistencies, and 16% dealing with operational difficulties.

Toward a Programmable, AI-Driven Future

Looking ahead, the SOAS Report suggests that organizations aiming to unlock AI’s full potential should focus on creating programmable IT environments that standardize and automate app delivery and security policies.

By 2026, AI is expected to move from isolated tasks to orchestrating end-to-end processes, marking a shift toward complete automation within IT operations environments. Platforms equipped with natural language interfaces and programmable capabilities will increasingly eliminate the need for traditional management consoles, streamlining IT workflows with unprecedented precision.

“Flexibility and automation are no longer optional—they are critical for navigating complexity and driving transformation at scale,” Borovick emphasized. “Organizations that establish programmable foundations will not only enhance AI’s potential but create IT strategies capable of scaling, adapting, and delivering exceptional customer experiences in the modern age.”

Pepe Jeans Powers Up in Jaipur with Its Biggest Indian Store Yet

Jaipur, May 13, 2025 Denim lovers in the Pink City have a new reason to celebrate. Pepe Jeans London, a name synonymous with British street and authentic denim, proudly opens the doors to its largest store in India at the heart of Vaishali Nagar, Jaipur’s fast-emerging retail and lifestyle nucleus.

pepe london

Spanning 3,138 sq. ft. across two levels, the new Pepe Jeans London flagship store is more than just a shopping destination — it’s a fashion experience. From classic denim fits to seasonal must-haves, the store houses the complete wardrobe collection for Men, Women, and Boys, along with a curated footwear range that includes statement sneakers

Located on Amarpali Marg, the store is poised to become a landmark for shoppers seeking the perfect mix of international style with local sensibilities. Whether you’re on the hunt for everyday denim, occasion-ready fashion, or the perfect pair of kicks — this new Pepe Jeans London store is Jaipur’s ultimate style destination.

Visit Us:
India’s Largest Pepe Jeans London Store on Amarpali Marg, Vaishali Nagar, Jaipur

Sonata Software Unveils New State-of-the-Art Facility in Hyderabad; Aims to Create 5,000 Jobs

HYDERABAD, 13th May, 2025: Sonata Software , a leader in Modernization Engineering, announced the opening of its new facility in Hyderabad. The facility was formally opened by the Honorable Chief Minister of Telangana, Shri Anumula Revanth Reddy.

sonata software

Spread across 200,000 square feet in the Vamsiram Suvarna Durga Tech Park in Hyderabad’s Financial District, the new center is designed to fuel innovation, scale global delivery, and nurture next-generation digital talent.

This strategic expansion reinforces Sonata Software’s deep commitment to delivering future-ready technology solutions and strengthening its global delivery footprint. Over the next three to five years, the facility is expected to generate more than 5,000 high-value technology jobs and serve as a key hub for digital engineering, co-innovation, and advanced technology development.

Speaking at the event, Honorable Chief Minister, Shri Anumula Revanth Reddy said, “Sonata “Sonata Software’s new Hyderabad facility is a testament to the partnership between visionary enterprises and progressive governance. Telangana remains steadfast in fostering a business-friendly ecosystem for technology companies. We are proud to see global firms like Sonata expanding from here and contributing to Hyderabad’s position as a premier global tech hub.”

Samir Dhir, Managing Director and CEO of Sonata Software, noted, “This new center marks a major step forward in our growth journey. Hyderabad’s strong ecosystem and global reputation for innovation make it the perfect location for building AI-led digital solutions at scale. The facility will enable us to attract top-tier talent, drive deeper client collaboration, and accelerate delivery of value-driven outcomes for our clients.”

Equipped with modern collaboration zones, innovation labs, and green infrastructure, the facility reflects Sonata’s commitment to responsible growth, sustainability, and engineering excellence. Its flexible design supports agile operations, secure service delivery, and rapid scaling of digital capabilities.

Srini Veeravelli, CEO of Quant Systems Inc, a Sonata Software company, added, “This facility will be instrumental in delivering AI, machine learning, and cloud modernization solutions to global clients. It not only enhances our delivery capabilities but also enables scalable GCC models and fosters a culture of continuous innovation across the enterprise.”

With a strong global presence—including key regions in North America, the UK, Europe, APAC, and ANZ—and a robust partner ecosystem, Sonata Software continues to be a trusted transformation partner for global enterprises. The Hyderabad facility marks a new chapter in Sonata’s mission to engineer purposeful digital excellence at scale.

Suraksha Sathi Empowers Citizens with Emergency Skills at Pacific Mall

May 12th 2025, New Delhi – The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), successfully conducted the Suraksha Sarthi” community disaster preparedness training on May 11 at Pacific MallSubhash Nagar, at 4:00 PM. The initiative aims to equip everyday citizens with the necessary skills to respond effectively during emergencies such as air strikes, bomb threats, fire incidents, and medical emergencies.

The event was graced by Dr. Nitin Shakya, SDM DDMA west district , as the Chief Guest, and supported by Dr. Sameer Bhati, Public Health Expert, along with the medical team from IACT, who led the live demonstrations and hands-on training sessions.

Key highlights of the program included:

• Live CPR and First Aid Training

• Demonstration of Fire Extinguisher Use

• Emergency Medical Response Techniques

• Awareness on Air Strike Alerts, Bomb Threat Protocols, and Safe Sheltering Practices

Shoppers, mall staff, and local civilians actively participated, turning the mall into a practical learning ground for disaster response. Through expert-led sessions, attendees were taught how to remain calm, take charge, and potentially save lives in critical moments.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Nitin Shakya, SDM Patel Nagar, emphasized, “We are conducting short and easy-to-understand trainings to ensure maximum public participation. Our aim is to cater to the entire district on a fast-track basis.”

 

Dr. Sameer Bhati added, “Preparedness is prevention. By empowering citizens with the right skills, we are not only saving lives but also building a culture of resilience and responsibility.”

This initiative is part of a broader Suraksha Sathicampaign that will be conducted across the West District in schools, RWAs, markets, and metro stations, with in-person sessions led by trained professionals from the medical, civil defence, police, and fire services.

Empowering CitizensSaving Lives.

Hyatt Announces Signing of Grand Hyatt Indore, Strengthening Presence of Grand Hyatt Brand in India

Bengaluru, May 12, 2025 – Hyatt today announced the signing of a management agreement for Grand Hyatt Indore, a landmark luxury development, with Krivish Hospitality Private Limited. The hotel will be developed on an emerging 11.5-acre site and marks a significant milestone in Hyatt’s continued expansion of its portfolio in high-growth markets, bringing the Grand Hyatt brand to the vibrant city of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Strategically located in one of India’s fastest-growing cities, Grand Hyatt Indore will feature 250 well-appointed rooms and suites, five signature food and beverage concepts, and an expansive meetings and events space spanning over 53,000 square feet (5,000 square meters), including a grand 27,986-square-foot (2,600-square-meter) ballroom. Designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers, the hotel will offer a comprehensive range of recreational amenities, including a spa, fitness center, swimming pool, and dedicated entertainment areas for children, teens, and adults.

“We are delighted to announce plans for Grand Hyatt Indore, the economic center of Madhya Pradesh,” said Dhruva Rathore, Vice President, Development for India & Southwest Asia, Hyatt. “The signing of Grand Hyatt Indore underscores our commitment to expanding Hyatt’s luxury portfolio in key destinations across India. With its exceptional location and world-class amenities, we believe this hotel will set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in Central India.”

Indore, the largest city of Madhya Pradesh, continues to grow as a leading destination for industry, commerce, and education. The city hosts a thriving ecosystem of banking, financial services, automobile, pharmaceutical, chemical, textile, and IT industries. Madhya Pradesh is poised for accelerated growth, boasting a well-developed infrastructure, proximity to key industrial belts such as the Super Corridor, Dewas Industrial Corridor, and Pithampur, and ongoing enhancements at Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport.

“We are thrilled to work with Hyatt to bring the Grand Hyatt brand to Indore,” said Sanjay Shukla, Director, Krivish Hospitality Private Limited. “This association reflects our shared vision of delivering world-class hospitality experiences. Grand Hyatt Indore will be a game-changer for the city, offering a sophisticated blend of luxury, comfort, and splendor, while also catering to the growing demand for elevated accommodations and event spaces in the region.”

Upon opening, Grand Hyatt Indore will embody the brand’s signature grandeur, exceptional service, and immersive experiences—offering global travelers and local guests a seamless blend of luxury hospitality and world-class business amenities under one roof.

Instamart’s ‘AddYourselfToCart’ Campaign Goes Viral on Mother’s Day

This Mother’s Day, Instamart went beyond instant deliveries to deliver something truly heartwarming: the gift of presence. As part of its #AddYourselfToCart campaign, Instamart reunited consumers with their mother, creating unforgettable moments of love, surprise, and connection.

The emotional campaign, conceptualized around the insight that the best gift for a mom is her children’s presence, highlighted how small gestures can lead to the biggest joys. The children, each living in different cities and unable to meet their mother due to distance and commitment, were flown to their hometowns, picked up by Instamart delivery partners and surprised their mothers, all orchestrated seamlessly by Instamart. The initiative struck a chord online with the video of the winners garnering hundreds of shares and emotional responses within hours of release.

It all started with a surprise message Instamart users found while placing their orders last week: “We’ll deliver you to mom this Mother’s Day. (Add yourself to cart.)” In collaboration with IndiGo and MakeMyTrip, lucky winners will be hand-delivered to their moms in surprise reunions. On May 11, selected participants were picked up by an Instamart delivery partner, flown home, and reunited with their mothers—turning the idea of “quick delivery” into something profoundly personal.